By Yousef Saba, Gram Slattery, Pesha Magid and Nafisa Eltahir RIYADH (Reuters) -President Donald Trump kicked off his trip to the Gulf on Tuesday with a surprise announcement that the United States will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria,

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — President Trump called on Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel during a speech to the oil-rich kingdom’s leaders on Tuesday — saying “you’ll be greatly honoring me” by doing so. Trump frequently referred to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by name during his speech as the country’s de facto ruler watched from the front row.

In Riyadh, US president focuses on business, shifting from Biden’s policy that prioritised Saudi Arabian-Israeli ties.

Four years ago, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman struggled to get an audience with then-President Joe Biden, who said he wanted to make the Gulf country a pariah after its leader allegedly ordered the murder of a Washington-based journalist.

President Trump delivered remarks Tuesday at a U.S.-Saudi investment summit, as he marks his first international trip of his second term.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday secured a US$600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia in Riyadh and vowed to lift sanctions on Syria.

President Donald Trump in a speech in Saudi Arabia has urged Iran to take a “new and a better path” as he pushes for new nuclear deal.

President Trump kicked off a four-day Middle East trip on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, putting the focus on sealing economic agreements with a key Mideast ally.